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Political Science

Also offered as: Major , Minor , Public Planning Certificate (Graduate Certificate)

The Master of Arts in Political Science at EIU offers a traditional degree focused on advanced political analysis and research. Designed for maximum flexibility, the program is available 100% online, entirely in-person, or as a hybrid mix to perfectly match your schedule.

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Political Science

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Degree Level
Master of Arts
Delivery
In Person / Hybrid
Time to Degree
4 Semesters
Credit Hours
33 Total, 33 in Major
Careers
Managers
Political Science students at EIU

Why Study Political Science at EIU?

  • Prepare for competitive Ph.D. or J.D. (Law) programs
See it for yourself Schedule a Visit
"Although I have only attended EIU for two years, I am proud to call myself a Panther. ... Ever since I was a little girl, I've dreamed of studying abroad in Europe. ... I decided to step out of my comfort zone and pursue this dream of mine."
Elsie Hernandez
Political Science | Class of 2028
Elsie Hernandez, Political Science at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Project-based coursework
  • Collaborative learning experiences
  • Opportunities for internships and applied work
Hands-On Experience, Political Science students at EIU

What You'll Learn

EIU's M.A. in Political Science gives you graduate-level knowledge of governments and political systems and prepares you for a wide variety of careers or career advancement. This is a fit if you enjoy research and analysis and want a stepping stone to a Ph.D. or J.D. program.

View in Catalog
$63,359
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Regulatory Affairs Managers
  • Compliance Managers
  • Loss Prevention Managers
  • Wind Energy Development Managers
  • Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists…
  • Political Scientists
  • Social Science Research Assistants
  • Political Science Teachers,…
  • Secondary School Teachers

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Bright OutlookBright Outlook careers are ones with a promising future. They're expected to grow quickly, to have lots of job openings, or to be brand new and emerging. A career earns the label if it meets any one of these: projected growth of 5% or more, at least 75,000 projected openings, or New & Emerging status.
Grow Rapidly: Jobs in this career are expected to grow 5% or more over the next several years, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.
Openings: Employers are expected to need at least 75,000 people for this career over the next several years. That count includes new jobs created by growth and spots opened when workers move on.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor Grow Rapidly / Openings
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)Job Zone 4: Considerable preparationMost of these careers require a four-year bachelor's degree. They also tend to build on several years of work-related experience or training.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit ConventionalConventional interest typeYou like order and detail. This work involves organizing information or data by following set procedures and rules, usually in an office.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$16,665 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 17% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $9,090 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit. Annual limits are reduced in proportion for part-time enrollment.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing. Students who borrowed for the same program before July 1, 2026 may have different limits.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid → Read about the 2026 federal aid changes
17% of lifetime limit

$16,665 total, just 17% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Jin Hong Kim
Assistant Professor, Grad Coordinator, Interdisciplinary Civic & Nonprofit Leaderhip Minor Coordinator
jhkim2@eiu.edu
2325 Coleman Hall
Jin Hong Kim Message Jin

Message Jin

or email jhkim2@eiu.edu directly
Karen Swenson
Department Chair, Professor, and Pre-Law Coordinator, Political Science
kbswenson@eiu.edu
2321 Coleman Hall
Karen Swenson Message Karen

Message Karen

or email kbswenson@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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